Why Are Markets Better Than Socialism?
Think markets work better than socialism?
Michigan students are invited to make the case for free markets, economic competition and individual liberty in a two-minute original speech or video.
This isn’t a history test. It isn’t a debate club. And you don’t need to be an economics major.
We’re looking for students who can take a big idea, explain it clearly, and persuade an audience that freedom works better than government control.
Why are markets better than socialism?
Young Americans express growing support for socialism and collectivist ideas. This contest gives you a chance to make a compelling case for the alternative.
Free markets give people the freedom to choose, create, compete, innovate and build.
Your challenge is to explain why that matters. Choose an issue, tell a story, and make an argument. Show why economic freedom produces better results for individuals and communities.
Open to Michigan students in
Open to all Michigan young adults
Review the annual prompt and decide what you want to say.
Your entry can cover free markets, economic choice, entrepreneurship, innovation, individual liberty, the costs of socialism, or other aspects of classical liberalism.
Create a two-minute original speech or video.
Be clear. Be creative. Be persuasive.
You can deliver a traditional speech directly to the camera or use storytelling and visuals to make your argument.
Upload your completed two-minute speech or video through the online submission portal before the deadline.
A panel of judges will evaluate entries based on the competition rubric and select finalists in each division.
Finalists will be recognized, and winners will receive cash prizes.
1. Eligibility: Entrants must be Michigan residents and meet the age/grade requirements for their division.
2. Original Work: Submissions must be the entrant’s original work and argument.
3. Length: Entries must be two minutes or shorter.
4. Individual Entries: Each submission must be created and delivered by a single student. You may only submit one entry.
5. Video Format: Videos must be submitted in an accepted digital format through the official submission portal.
6. Accuracy: Contestants must ensure factual claims and statistics are accurate and properly represented.
7. AI: AI tools may be used.
8. Content: Entries must be suitable for a general public audience and may not contain obscene, threatening or discriminatory material.
9. Judges: Judges’ decisions are final.
10. Rights: By entering, contestants grant the Mackinac Center permission to display, share and promote their submissions and names in connection with the competition.
11. Disqualification: The Mackinac Center reserves the right to disqualify submissions that violate these rules or contain plagiarized or substantially non-original material.
Make your voice heard.
Submission deadline: December 31, 2026
All entries must be submitted online by 11:59 p.m. on December 31, 2026.
Don’t wait until the last minute. A great argument takes time to develop.
Every submission will be evaluated by a panel of judges using the following criteria:
| Category | Points | What Judges Are Looking For |
|---|---|---|
| Clarity of Argument | 25 | Is there a clear thesis? Does the student make a focused, understandable case? |
| Evidence & Reasoning | 25 | Does the argument use facts, examples, economic reasoning or compelling evidence effectively? |
| Persuasiveness | 25 | Does the submission make the audience think differently or reconsider an assumption? |
| Delivery & Communication | 25 | Is the presentation engaging, confident, compelling and appropriate for the format? |
| Total | 100 |
A winning entry doesn’t simply say “socialism is bad.”
It explains why.
The strongest submissions will take a complicated idea and make it understandable. They might use a personal story, a surprising example, a powerful statistic, a real-world comparison or a compelling argument.
We want to hear your voice—not a textbook.
Your ideas could earn you money.
1st Place — $1000
2nd Place — $500
3rd Place — $250
1st Place — $1000
2nd Place — $500
3rd Place — $250
Additional finalists and special recognitions may also be announced.
Every contestant will have the opportunity to join Mackinac Next, a growing network of young Michiganders interested in free markets, individual liberty and limited government.
Mackinac Next connects students and young professionals with:
The competition is open to Michigan high school students in grades 9–12 and Michigan young adults ages 18–24. They compete in separate divisions.
No. Students from public schools, private schools, charter schools and homeschool programs are welcome to participate, provided they meet the eligibility requirements. Participants in the Young Adult category do not need to be in school at all.
Your submission must address the annual competition prompt. Topics will focus on free markets, economic freedom, individual liberty, the costs of socialism, or other principles of classical liberalism.
Your entry must be two minutes or shorter.
Yes. The competition is designed around short-form speeches and videos submitted online.
Definitely. Evidence can make your argument stronger. Just make sure your claims are accurate and represented honestly.
Yes.
The competition is an individual competition. Your submission must represent your own argument and presentation.
No. Students enter independently.
Judges will score entries on clarity of argument, evidence and reasoning, persuasiveness, and delivery and communication.
Winners will receive cash prizes.
All contestants will be invited to join Mackinac Next, where they can learn about internships, events, careers and other opportunities related to free markets and public policy.
Absolutely. You don’t need to be interested in a career in public policy to participate. If you have something to say about freedom, markets or the role of government, we want to hear it.
Why are markets better than socialism?
Tell us what you think.
